Update on novel coronavirus, February 4
On Friday, the federal government declared the new (novel) coronavirus a public health emergency in the U.S. and announced a series of restrictions on U.S. citizens and foreign nationals entering the U.S. after trips to China, which took effect Sunday at 2 p.m. PST. While government officials stress that the risk to the general U.S. public continues to be low at this time due to the small number of cases in the United States, the global situation continues to change rapidly. Public health officials here and around the world continue to be… Read More
777X first flight lands at King County International Airport
Crossposted from DES Express In a long-anticipated trip delayed two days by windy weather, Boeing’s new 777X took its first flight on Saturday, Jan. 25 from Paine Field in Everett. It landed about four hours later at King County International Airport (KCIA), after flight testing over Eastern Washington and a flight-to-flight photo session over Mount Rainier. The jet roared down the runway, leaving a trail of spray from the rain as it ended its journey. At least 40 media representatives – videographers, photographers and reporters – stood in a roped-off area near the… Read More
Walking the streets for Count Us In 2020
King County Executive Dow Constantine joined hundreds of volunteers, including many King County employees, for the annual Point in Time Count. “Many of us know how seeing homelessness makes us feel—but it’s vital that we also see the first-hand experience of homelessness and what our unsheltered neighbors are up against every day,” Executive Constantine said. “Joined by hundreds of volunteers, service providers, and lawmakers, we walked the streets early on the morning of January 24 to collect data about the needs of our unsheltered population.”
Pet of the Week: Oreo
Hi! My name is Oreo and I am available for adoption. I was brought in by my previous owner on April 26, 2019 because there was too much activity in the home. I am a very sweet and affectionate boy and I just love hanging out with my favorite people! I particularly enjoy getting head scratches and playing with wand toys. After having some litter box issues in my previous home, I was diagnosed with a urinary tract disease. This is being managed through a prescription diet and reducing stress in the… Read More
Personal safety trainings coming Feb. 10
Do you find yourself out and about, walking between King County buildings, or to and from bus or light rail stops? Have you wondered what you can to do keep yourself safe? King County is partnering with the Seattle Police Department and the Seattle Metropolitan Improvement District to present lunch-and-learn sessions on Personal Safety & Public Safety Resources. Register early as these sessions tend to fill up quickly. Choose from two sessions on Feb. 10 at the King County Administration Building, Room 560: 11 a.m. – noon Register here. 12:15 p.m. – 1:15… Read More
Pet of the Week: Pepper
Hi! My name is Pepper and I am available for adoption. I was brought in by a good samaritan on December 21, 2018. I am an independent kitty who likes to do my own thing! My caregivers have noticed that I seem to do well with other cats. When meeting cats in a new home, I would do best with a slow introduction. Read more and view all available pets at www.kingcounty.gov/adoptapet.
MLK Jr.: ‘The time is always ripe to do right’
Crossposted from Metro Matters Martin Luther King, Jr. visited Seattle once, from Nov. 8 to Nov. 11, 1961. King was 32 at the time and had yet to deliver his iconic address during the March on Washington or write his powerful Letter from Birmingham Jail. Accounts from his time in King County, King’s “The American Dream” speech at Garfield High School includes lines that he would use two years later in his “I Have a Dream” speech. King also delivered some of his most powerful calls to action to Seattle audiences. The Seattle Times reported… Read More
Watch the 2020 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration
King County employees turned out in force to honor our nation’s foremost human rights leader and our County’s namesake, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., at the 2020 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration. The event was held Thursday, Jan. 16, from noon to 1 p.m. at Town Hall Seattle. The keynote speaker was john a. powell, Director of the Othering and Belonging Institute at the University of California at Berkeley. Former King County Councilmember Larry Gossett was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award. You can watch a video of the entire celebration by… Read More
Pet of the Week: Rudolph
Hi! My name is Rudolph and I am available for adoption. I was brought in by a good Samaritan on Dec. 2, 2019. I am a sweet cat who may need extra time and attention to warm up to new situations and new people. When I was a wee little one, I was not taught how nice and friendly people can be, but I am learning quickly! Though I may be timid at first, once you take the time to show me I can trust you I will show you just how wonderful I… Read More
Celebration follow-up, Jan. 21
As we will spark reflection and ideas at the MLK Celebration, employees are encouraged to continue the dialogue to deepen our equity, inclusion and belonging discussions and actions in work teams, departments, and communities. One opportunity to participate in facilitated follow-up conversations will be held at the King Street Center 8th floor conference center on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.. All King County employees are welcome. For more information, contact KKibet@kingcounty.gov.
Employee News 